New Music Video Released for Shot Out From A Cannon
Video making for Punch Drunk Cabaret always starts with a little kernel of the truth. In the latest instalment of the band's popular music videos, the boys are subjected to a demeaning cowboy who treats them like worthless simpletons. “Here in Alberta, that's likely to happen any day of the week” chuckles frontman, Randal X Bailer ". Over the years, PDC has, on occasion found themselves booked into the wrong venue, which has lead to the similar treatment they're subjected to in the video." But with all good Punch Drunk Cabaret videos, there's always a twist, and in this instance the perpetual underdogs actually come out on the winning end, out foxing the abusive aggressor. As for the characters the band play, Bailer elaborates, "Once at a show I met Jeff Carlson, who played one of the Hanson brothers from the 1977 cult classic film, Slap Shot and that inspired the downtrodden janitors we play in the video". As for the obnoxious stage managing cowboy, that role was played by longtime roadie and friend to the band, Darcy Rickshaw McConnel, who has cameos in a number of PDC videos. Although Bailer wrote and co-directed, it was videographer Mark Remple that captured all the action. This was a reunion of sorts as Remple shot many of the band's early videos including the award winning, Beard of Bees.
New Single, Shot Out From A Cannon, Released Worldwide
Like many other musical artists, our career was moving along swimmingly until the pandemic hit. Like the Titanic slowly being submerged in deadly waters, things seemed quite manageable at first. But as live shows ground to a complete halt, so did our lifeblood as a band. Releasing new work of any kind became pointless. It was those three years sitting on the bench that revitalized the band, giving us new hope and meaning. So when it came time to release new music, it couldn't just simply be a song, it had to be a declaration that we're back and fuelled by a new found freedom and vitality. Enter, Shout Out From A Cannon, the new single that emphasizes all the hallmarks of the Punch Drunk Cabaret sound (driving rhythems and turbocharged rockabilly inspired guitar riffs) but with a fresh and modern injection of electronica compliments of newest member, Rob R0b0t Ducharme. The single is currently available worldwide on platforms.
Filming Completed on Latest Music Video
Next to live shows, music videos have become a major source of how music fans discover Punch Drunk Cabaret. Having won two awards for past videos, there's always a sense of pressure to deliver something on par with what you've done in the past, while exploring new territory. Given the layoff imposed by the pandemic and the significant change in membership, it seemed like we needed a sort of reintroduction to the public. So for that reason the goal was to produce a music video that really focused on what the band looks and sounds like today. However, given that every single video released in the past seems to have some kind of quirky narrative, it seemed that something would be missing if we didn't include that crucial element. But with the help of longtime stagehand, Rickshaw McConnel and videographer Mark Remple (who shot Two Brown Bottles of Beer, Sweet Dreams, Beard of Bees) we're pleased to announce that shooting has been completed on Shot Out From a Cannon, our first music video in three years. Stay tuned for details on a late March release.
Punch Drunk Cabaret Returns for Fundraising Concert
Thanks to the Red Deer Advocate for the feature article on our upcoming appearance at the Comedy/ Music Showcase. https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/news/punch-drunk-cabaret-is-returning-for-a-fundraising-concert-with-two-red-deer-musicians/?fbclid=IwAR2JgG7s1M0OZKmu2c95ggdTtcagJyeDii1BhfYltrMBR5dY7VeYEmlzujw
Combining With Comedians for a Good Cause
Comedy and Rock n Roll have always had a fraternal relationship; same tree of Entertainment, just different branches. Add to that a fantastic venue and a truly noble cause and you have one stellar night out! The Comedy/Music Showcase will hit the Memorial Centre in Red Deer, Saturday February 18 in support of the Red Deer Outreach Centre. The first half of the show will feature the hilarious antics of comedians, Joel Semchuk and Brad Layden with PDC closing out the evening with an hour long set guaranteed to turn the aisles into dance floors.
Tickets are just $20 and are available on the Memorial Centre website: http://reddeermemorialcentre.net/events
2023 Promises a New Single and Music Video
If 2022 was "The Year of Rebuilding", 2023 promises to be "The Year of Productivity. The band is excited to return to the studio in December to record a new single entitled, Shot Out From A Cannon. Not only is this the first new song to be released in three years, but it's the first to feature new member, Rob R0b0t Ducharme on keyboards and percussion. The recording will also include a reunion of sorts with former drummer, Capt. Sean E. Watts contributing drums and recording/mixing the sessions. (Sadly, Watts retired from live performance duties in early 2022). The song, which mixes the punk rock energy of the Offspring with flashes of Devo-esqe electronica, will be supported by a music video set to be shot in late February. https://bandzoogle.com/controlpanel/campaigns
New Years Show Announced
Back in June, PDC performed their first show at SHEnanigan's in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. In an era where general attendance is often low and enthusiasm for live music is still suppressed by the effects of a pandemic, the SHEnanigan's show was a bit like going back time. Not only did an energetic audience fill the venue, but many came dressed in their Steampunk finery. Despite hearing PDC for the first time, many t-shirts, CDs and vinyl albums were bought which kept the band members Sharpies busy for a full hour after the show. So it was with a resounding "YES" that the band answered the invitation to return to North Battleford to perform again December 31st. Ticket packages also include a gourmet meal, champagne, party favours and hotel accommodations. For full details, visit: https://www.shenanigansnb.com/event-details/new-years-eve-with-punch-drunk-cabaret
